a montage of images of people cycling in different environments

How Cycling Can Improve Your Well-Being

Sport, and more specifically cycling, can be an excellent means of releasing tension, relieving stress, fighting depression and boosting your mood.

Cycling can do wonders for your well-being!
Read on to find out why and how you can benefit from cycling.

Cycling Is A Healthy Activity

Cycling gives your cardiovascular system a good workout. This, in turn, has a positive effect on your body.

Your heart is a vital muscle that becomes more efficient and powerful when you train it. Not only will your heart rate get stronger and healthier, causing better blood flow and circulation around your body which will be better distributed around your body more efficiently, giving you a full-body experience of invigorating

When training, your heart rate drops both during exercise and at rest. The more frequently-used muscles run less risk of injury and suffer less from the pains of everyday life. So make sure you stretch before and after any physical activities to avoid and eliminate any aches and sprains.

Man and woman cycling fast.

The Benefits of Cycling on Your Health

By cycling every day, you also reduce the risk of diabetes because physical activity helps you better control your insulin levels.

Note: in this case, always take something sweet to snack on whilst you're out and about, preferably something that contains some sugar, such as a Jelly or a healthy bar with you.

Cycling and sports in general, also help to reduce your blood pressure. If you suffer from high blood pressure, you should consult a medical professional who will advise you on other steps to control it, such as changing specific aspects of your diet to help you improve your pressure levels.

Man cycling up a mountain.

The Benefits of Cycling on Your Bones

Cycling has the advantage of being a weight-supported sport. It, therefore, stops your joints from being exposed to the impacts of jogging or other impact-heavy sports that require you to run on a hard surface. It protects your joints (knees and ankles) and allows you to exercise gently on roads or countryside trails.

Cycling can also help counter the impact of osteoporosis on your bones. It is scientifically proven that physical activity limits the reduction in bone density.

Man and woman cycling with speed.
A group of cyclist taking a group picture.

Cycling Is Good For Morale And Fighting Seasonal Depression

Put simply, when you cycle casually or even competitively, you tend to forget your every day worries and focus entirely on pedalling and making your way through your cycling route. Physical activity becomes a true natural antidepressant.

The Benefits of Cycling on Your Mind

During your cycling session, the increase in oxygen and physical exercise helps you think more positively and clearly.

This is even truer in winter when the risk of seasonal depression is massively increased. In winter, the days are shorter, you're exposed to less sunlight, and the weather is less predictable. All of this can affect your well-being.
Seasonal depression is a form of depression linked to the lack of sunlight. It's very well known in Scandinavian countries and some countries that regularly experience long dark winters. However, seasonal depression, sometimes shortened to SAD (seasonal affective disorder), is still not a widely recognised form of depression in many countries.

Although Cycling is not the only solution to fighting seasonal depression, doing sports, particularly cycling, may help you reduce the side effects and guard against SAD.
When you train, you produce several hormones, such as:

  • A man happily putting on his cycling helmet.

    BEING ACTIVE PRODUCES DOPAMINE!

    The dopamine hormone is secreted during exercise and is responsible for pleasure and alertness. This is the reason why you feel less tired and get a sense of well-being after doing exercise.

  • A woman smiling wearing a cycling helmet and cycling glasses.

    BEING ACTIVE PRODUCES ENDORPHINS!

    Endorphins are also produced during exercise. These hormones reduce pain and are responsible for the feeling of euphoria.

Cycling Is Great For Weight Loss

Let’s be realistic: one bike session isn't going to be enough to slim down or stabilise your weight sustainably; this can only be achieved with gradual, regular and repeated exercise. So make sure you set realistic and attainable goals so you can track and begin to notice some physical and mental health improvements.

Cycling is an endurance sport, meaning you'll burn some calories during your sessions and gradually lose fat.

If your primary aim is to lose weight, then you'll need to make sure you’re making an effort to make healthier dietary choices. This means eating the right food and substituting your current choice of food and drink for more nutritious options. We've put together a few easy steps for you to follow and a few simple rules to help you manage your diet as you start your journey to adopting a healthier lifestyle.

A woman hi-fives a man whilst cycling by.
Two men cycling

Try Cycling and Experience All the Benefits for Yourself!

Sports, and cycling, in particular, can do wonders for your well-being.
If you haven't yet had a chance to give cycling a go, you really should!

We highly recommend you make it a part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle.